How the U.S. uses $8 billion in federal stimulus funding for rail projects will set the course for the future of the nation’s passenger train services, a top Federal Railroad Administration official said. “It’s about the future of passenger rail in the country,“ Karen Rae, the agency’s deputy administrator, said in Richmond yesterday.

Gov. Timothy M. Kaine led a community pep rally to boost faster rail service as a priority as the region and Washington suburbs grow closer on the Interstate 95 corridor.

Virginia is taking a step today toward seizing a golden opportunity to develop high-speed rail through Richmond and other parts of the state. The state is expected to file a preliminary application today for more than $1.5 billion in federal stimulus money to develop high-speed rail corridors in both directions from Richmond—to Washington and the Northeast, and to North Carolina and the Southeast.

The state will take the first formal step tomorrow in seeking more than $1.5 billion in federal stimulus money to develop high-speed rail corridors.

Asplit between South Hampton Roads and the Peninsula over high-speed rail is widening now that the heads of seven south-side cities and counties have agreed to push for a route south of the James River. Without a political consensus on a route, the region’s chances could be further delayed at a time when federal money is available for a higher-speed rail project.